This picture and accompanying story is taken from a book called Shining Hours which was published in New York in 1905 by McLoughlin Bros. The book consists of pictures and uplifting or educational short stories for children.

Update from Agneta in Ontario.
I had this original oil painting in the house -- a gift from my mother-in-law. She had it her house in Russia. She never knew the artist's name. The bottom is cut. It is splendid -- not in perfect condition; the eyelashes, the look in the eye. It looks like a gypsy boy who could be from anywhere. [Agneta's Painting]