Nationality or birth origin is very important throughout "Desiree's Baby." The concept of birth origin first appears when Desiree is found by Monsieur Valmonde and rumors begin to fly as to who Desiree is and where she came from. Madame Valmonde excuses (or perhaps doesn't care) about any of the rumors or Desiree's origin because she believes Desiree was sent to her from Providence. Desiree's origin is mentioned again when Arman Auibginy wants to marry her. He claims that he does not care that her origin is unknown or that she does not have a name, for he will give her one. The birth of Desiree and Armand's child that is clearly not white is the first time Desiree's origin is not only questioned, but accused of being false. In the 1890s, it was believed that even a small portion of African blood, made a person African, and less than the white man.