Philippe had a friend whom he called "String Bean Simon," another, "Celery Susan," and many others he gave different nicknames of the same kind.
As he was stirring his mixture, he suddenly remembered that he had not told Emile the great news.
"Oh, Emile Spinach, Emile Spinach," he called, "did you know that soon, soon the little sister will be here?"
But Emile Spinach had gone into the fields.
"This stew will be for the baby, Cauliflower," thought Philippe. "She will like this stew."
Soon he heard his mother's voice calling from the house, "Supper, my little one. Come to supper."
Carrying his precious pot, he started toward the cottage. On the way he once more examined the cabbages.
But there was still no sign of a baby in any of them.
As he neared the house, he noticed a beautiful rose growing near the wall.