"Exceptionally talented and intelligent" has a very different meaning to "with exceptional interest and support". When people say talent, they invariably mean a

"Exceptionally talented and intelligent" has a very different meaning to "with exceptional interest and support". When people say talent, they invariably mean a natural endowment or inherent skill. Something distinct from what id possible with support and interest. It's arguable that no such thing as talent exists. That when we say "talent" we are really using a short-hand for a kind of knowledge and experience. I suspect that Hardy would strongly reject such a claim, based on reading his Apology.