...of a dialogue with objects

The clerk made a bow, which looked almost like the curtsy of a small schoolgirl, and then disappeared. The Inspector, however, remained seated for some time, alone with the two green-shaded lamps. He felt as if he could talk to them. They were like human beings, a species of living, mellow, shining humans. He held a silent dialogue with them. 'Stick to your plan,' they said to him, green and benevolent. 'Do you really think so?' he asked in return. 'Yes, we think so!' said the lamps.

[Weights and Measures, Roth, J.]