The teacher seemed to be truly fond of him.
The children all ascribed this partiality to the color of Bernard's skin, and they all, except Belton, began to envy and despise Bernard.
Of course they told their parents of the teacher's partiality and their parents thus became embittered against the teacher.

But however much they might object to him and desire his removal, their united protests would not have had the weight of a feather.

So the teacher remained at Winchester for twelve years.

During all these years he instructed our young friends Belton and Bernard.
Strangely enough, his ardent love for Bernard and his bitter hatred of Belton accomplished the very same result in respect to their acquirements.

The teacher soon discovered that both boys were talented far beyond the ordinary, and that both were ambitious.