They had a little baby who was ill.

In desperation they had brought the remainder of their slender fortune to Monte Carlo.
They had lost it.

It was foolish, but yet the baby came out that day with nine red spots on its chest and it seemed as if it was a sign from the bon Dieu that they should back nine and red at the tables.

Now she knew too late that it was measles and not a sign from the bon Dieu at all.

But they were penniless.