Peter Ruff and the Double Four by E. Phillips Oppenheim

The woman who had been Peter Ruff's first love had fallen upon evil days. Her prettiness was on the wane -- powder and rouge, late hours, and excesses of many kinds, had played havoc with it, even in these few months. Her clothes were showy but cheap. Her boots themselves, unclean and down at heel, told the story. She stood upon the threshold of Peter Ruff's office, and looked half defiantly, half doubtfully at Violet, who was its sole occupant.

"Can I do anything for you? " the latter asked, noticing the woman's hesitation.