Possible Clues:

• Release by exploding — pardon
• Pardon the French swell
• Allow to go free; discharge
• The French local for member of the English upper class gets a reprieve
• The French gent is given a reprieve
• Released -- or shot
• Reprieve the Parisian gent
• Excuse or release of
• Posh Frenchman exploded
• Discharge (a firework)