It was not the question "What for?" but the question "How?" that interested him.

What the diplomatic matter might be he did not care, but it gave him great pleasure to prepare a circular, memorandum, or report, skillfully, pointedly, and elegantly.

Bilibin's services were valued not only for what he wrote, but also for his skill in dealing and conversing with those in the highest spheres.

Bilibin liked conversation as he liked work, only when it could be made elegantly witty.

In society he always awaited an opportunity to say something striking and took part in a conversation only when that was possible.