3-034-853 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The flower-girl gave him a piece of bread, with three large dates", 1871. Illustration to a short story, "The Coffee-Merchant - a new Arabian Nights' tale". 'In rags and starvation, Agbin chanced to meet with a poor flower-girl. Her name was Zilnah, and she was well known for the beautiful flowers she sold. "Ah! poor young man," said she; "you seem to be in great want." "You say truly, child," replied the poor coffee-merchant; "and I suppose you will offer me a flower." The flower-girl instantly gave him half of a good piece of bread she had in a bag, together with three large dates. She then tore off a broad strip from her dress to make him a sash, as his garments were full of rents and hung down like rags. She had very pretty little hands, which she now held out to him in token of farewell. She looked at him, moreover, with very tender eyes, and gave a deep sigh'. From the Christmas supplement to "Illustrated London News", 1871.