Take the key and unlock the desk, and bring me the bundle of papers that are tied with an old tape; or--stop--bring me all the papers." With trembling hand Nina took the key.

She was now desired by her father to do exactly that which her lover wished her to have done; or, better still, her father was about to do the thing himself.

She would at any rate have positive proof that the paper was not in her father's desk.
He had desired her to bring all the papers, so that there would be no doubt left.

She took the key very gently, as softly as was possible to her, and went slowly into the other room.

When there she unlocked the desk and took out the bundle of letters tied with an old tape which lay at the top ready to her hand.