01x02 - Welcome, Mischief

[bunniefuu]

[METAL CREAKING]

Allez.

[IN FRENCH] Start loading those crates.

Be careful with them. Quickly, quickly.

Come on. Faster. Let's go.

[WEAPON UNSHEATHES]

[CLATTER]

[WOOD CREAKING]

[STEVEDORES SHOUTING IN FRENCH]

- [STEVEDORE SPEAKS FRENCH]

- [STEVEDORE 2] Careful!

Muskets to the back.

Quickly!

- [SUPERVISOR SHOUTS]

- [STEVEDORE SPEAKS FRENCH]

[SUPERVISOR] Where are you going?

To take a piss.

There's a whole ocean.

[STEVEDORE 2 SPEAKS FRENCH]

I've never seen you before.

And I know everyone who works this dock.

[STEVEDORES CHATTERING IN FRENCH]

[GRUNTS, CHOKES]

- [GRUNTING]

[TEMPLE GRUNTING]

It's not bad. But swift with the lever.

The impression must be even.

Watch.

[FRANKLIN GRUNTS]

I-I can't do it this quickly.

You can if it serves as your livelihood.

I could print 500 pages a day.

But don't worry, boy. [CHUCKLES]

I've got other plans for you.

I might have plans of my own, you know.

Such as?

Never mind.

No, I I'm all ears.

Well, I intend to live pleasantly.

To have entertaining friends

and exciting adventures.

To reside in a house like this

and be regarded as

a wit and a gentleman.

Perhaps it would be best for

you to learn a trade after all.

[KNOCKS]

Do I disturb your labors?

They're more in the realm of a

distraction, Monsieur Chaumont.

To pass the time while Versailles

determines whether I,

in fact, exist.

Hmm. This is a philosophic question.

Well, it seems quite practical to me.

I have something to show you.

[LAUGHS] Ah.

[CHAUMONT] The demand

for them is everywhere.

My factory in the Loire

can barely keep up.

What do you think?

[LAUGHS] Your face is

as famous as the moon's.

Yet invisible to Count Vergennes.

[CHAUMONT] You understand

that here in France,

to get what one wants,

one pretends not to want it.

Well, in that case, I shall pretend

to not want to be 20 years younger.

Hmm. [LAUGHS]

That must be in your pamphlet.

It might suit at that.

[LENOIR, IN FRENCH] The press

was smuggled into France.

He's already printed

300 copies of his book.

- Do you want me to confiscate the machine?

- Not just yet.

Let's pretend we're unconcerned,

while he pretends not to care

about our lack of concern.

I'd recommend a more direct method.

[VERGENNES] Of course

you would, Lieutenant.

But indulge me, won't you?

[CHUCKLES] Some of this is very clever.

Have you bothered to read it?

I never read the books,

Monsieur le Comte.

I only forbid them.

[CHUCKLES]

"Force shits upon reason's back".

- I expect you'd agree with that.

- I've made a career of it.

Hmm.

going to happen?

It might when you stop fidgeting.

A lass that was laden with care ♪

Sat heavily under a thorn ♪

I listened for a while for to hear ♪

While thus she began for to mourn ♪

Whene'er my own lover was near ♪

The birds seemed far sweeter to sing ♪

The cold nipping wintertime wore ♪

A face that resembled spring ♪

So merry as we two have been ♪

So merry as we two have been ♪

My heart it is like for to break ♪

When I think on the

days we have seen ♪

I first heard that air 40 years ago

in the Allegheny Mountains,

with naught but howling

wilderness about me.

Forgive me.

I played it only to please you.

And pleasure it gave.

But [SIGHS]

how strange to feel the

moment was only yesterday,

and I still young and untested.

With all the time between a mere dream.

[SIGHS]

You think me a doddering old fool?

I think you a fool to

think so little of me.

Is it the nature of Americans to be

so ungenerous with their compliments?

I will shower you with them

in excess if you give me leave.

You may begin.

Madame, I consider you

the most intoxicating person

[DOOR SLAMS]

[MUTTERING IN FRENCH, SIGHS]

[CONTINUES MUTTERING]

Oh.

Oh.

[SIGHS]

Bien, bien, bien, bien, bien.

- [IN FRENCH] Have you seen Miss, uh

- Jupin?

Is that her name?

- That is the name of our governess, yes.

- Oui.

- Is that who you seek?

- Oui.

I sent her away for the evening.

Ah. That's what I was going to do.

[IN FRENCH] hanging about as it is.

Have you been, uh, kissing my wife?

[GASPS]

I, monsieur?

I'd never dream of kissing

another man's wife

in his own house.

Ah.

Outside the house?

[IN FRENCH] Husband!

[LAUGHS, KISSES]

You have my undying affection.

[LAUGHING, MUTTERING]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Did you really like my singing?

It was like a bird in my hand.

A bird you caught?

No. No, not exactly.

[IN FRENCH] Is the bird still alive?

Yes. A living bird.

That landed in my hand

and sang.

[IN FRENCH] I didn't really understand

what I was singing anyway.

It was about sadness

and love.

[ANNE] Cunégonde, where are you?

I have to go.

enough for tonight, wouldn't you?

[BEAUMARCHAIS, IN SPANISH]

Bien! Muy bien!

Adelante, mis gran héroes. Adelante!

Give me your strong arms.

Your brave souls.

[SHOUTS] There's a heavy

crate for the toughest man!

Rápido, rápido!

[TAPS]

What is it Oh! Greetings, friend!

Welcome to our little

enterprise. [LAUGHS]

- [IN FRENCH] Oui?

- You swore to exercise caution.

And so I am.

Only legal exports are loaded by day.

Everything else goes

under cover of darkness.

Sir, there is make-believe,

and there is business.

You pay no heed to cost,

no mind to discretion.

These are my ships!

And if this goes awry?

What will happen to me?

Your name appears nowhere in the

records of Hortalez and Company.

Any danger falls on me,

Rodrigue Hortalez of Valencia.

- [SCOFFS]

- Any loss is mine to repay.

You don't have a million livres to lose.

- And neither do the insurgents.

- Hmm.

That's true. But they have goods.

Cotton, tobacco, indigo to fill

the holds when our ships return.

Hmm. If they return.

I have faith, sir. The

Americans will win.

The weapons we are providing

will secure that victory.

And we will profit by it handsomely.

Not that such things matter to you.

Hmm?

You will give me your assurance

that from this moment on

- [ONLOOKER SCREAMS]

- [DOG BARKING]

[CROWD CLAMORING]

[PERSON GRUNTING]

[CLAMORING CONTINUES]

Nothing to worry about. Men

are stabbed here all the time.

So tell us, Temple. Is she pretty?

Is she rich?

- The girl you are seeing.

I didn't say I was seeing a girl.

[IN FRENCH] You didn't say you weren't.

[IN LATIN] The thing speaks for itself.

- [LAUGHS]

Well, she's short.

A little cross-eyed. Bit of a mustache.

- [IN FRENCH] Ah. He's after your sister!

- [LAUGHS]

[GASPS]

Madame, my most humble apologies.

f*ck off, you prick!

Can't you see I'm working?

[LAUGHS]

- Don't start anything.

- They can start. We'll finish it.

All hail the great defender of liberty!

Charles. What tavern were

you thrown out of today?

None. But it's early yet. When

are you off to save America?

Any day now. The court is honoring

me with a commission.

And my a*s can play the flute.

That must keep your

boyfriend interested.

I'll do for you right now,

you little as*h*le.

Ready when you are.

What are you supposed to be?

I'm Gilbert's friend.

[MOCKING] "I'm Gilbert's

friend". [LAUGHS]

How did you get a monkey to talk?

[IMITATING MONKEY SCREECHING]

Yankee Doodle went to town

riding on a pony ♪

Stuck a feather up his a*s

and called it macaroni ♪

[IN FRENCH] To victory, General!

[LAUGHS]

[SÉGUR] A duel at dawn.

All I want is a duel at dawn.

- [NOAILLES] Calm down, Philippe.

- [VENDOR] For the ladies!

So that Dr. Franklin's face may be

the first they see every morning!

Yes, young gentlemen!

Delight your paramours!

Even their droppings are like honey!

Do you know Dr. Franklin?

[IN FRENCH] If I got his blessing

Give it up, Gilbert. Our

families will never consent.

Glory ends all arguments.

So does a cannonball.

[IN FRENCH] Why would

he know Dr. Franklin?

[NOAILLES] He's American, isn't he?

Yes. And you're best

friends with Voltaire.

[ALL LAUGHING]

- Ah, oui.

- [LAUGHING]

[SÉGUR] Oh, yes! That's him.

Merde alors.

in Suriname at the time.

[CHUCKLING] Where on Earth is that?

You'll find it on the northeast coast

of South America, madame.

[CHUCKLING] And you may leave

it there as far as I'm concerned.

Nevertheless Uh

The eel.

The torporific eel,

much feared by the natives

of that benighted region

for its deadly effect.

But how does it k*ll?

It, um, bites.

- [BANCROFT] It electrocutes, madam.

- [GASPS]

As surely as the current

from a Leyden jar.

[THÉRÈSE] Can this be so?

Oh, I've observed it myself.

What a terrifying

hemisphere you inhabit.

[GASPS]

[IN FRENCH] Don't you think

so, Monsieur Chaumont?

What?

on dry land and close to Paris.

[THÉRÈSE] Hmm.

Ah-ah-ah-ah.

No. Really?

You've already been warned.

Dr. Bancroft is intent on

curing me by k*lling me.

Remember me in your will. [CHUCKLES]

[IN FRENCH] Suriname is adjacent

to our colony in Guyana, Mother.

Hmm.

[JACQUES] It's where the sugar

in this bowl comes from.

[STAMMERS] Yes. Or someplace like it.

[IN FRENCH] No Frenchman

turns his hand to it, of course.

It's all left to the Black Africans.

- Jacques.

Where brave patriots fight for freedom

and whip the backs of souls

they are pleased to call property.

Is that not so, learned monsieur?

You will find no greater abasement

of human nature. [SIGHS]

And yet you sit across

the table from this man,

whose ships carried that unholy cargo

in exchange for the

Judas coin of profit.

[IN FRENCH] You uncivil whelp!

You will leave this table.

Out with you.

[SIGHS]

It's a

It's only his way of jesting.

and in the morning

Madame.

[IN FRENCH] Please.

Leave us.

Allow me the honor.

[IN FRENCH] We have all been young, sir.

I take no offense.

out of the water at Le Havre.

[IN FRENCH] His throat slashed.

a suspect in the matter?

This is a dangerous game, monsieur.

Oh, I would not claim otherwise. [SIGHS]

Who will pay for all those ships

and arms if you do not win?

We will win.

Always I'm told this.

But where are the victories?

I do not see them.

[SIGHS] With your aid, we'll win them.

But if you do not.

What then?

The Congress of the United States

will make you whole, monsieur.

You have my guarantee.

[SIGHS]

Charming sort, young Jacques.

No wonder the ladies can't resist him.

[SIGHS] A man was just m*rder*d

on the docks at Le Havre.

Where precisely?

Right by the loaded ships.

Coincidence.

Perhaps.

If I'm permitted.

Well, your gout will

certainly thank you.

I told Chaumont that Congress would

pay him everything that he's owed.

Is that true?

It is now.

[CHUCKLES]

[TEMPLE] Be plainspoken. He can't

abide anyone who puts on airs.

But don't be falsely humble.

He'll see right through that.

Uh, be serious but not too insistent,

and have something witty at hand to say,

but make it sound like

you just thought of it.

And don't bow.

Anything else?

Ju-Just be yourself.

[FRANKLIN] The marquis is aware

that the king has forbidden

any other French officers

from leaving for America.

In serving the cause of America,

I fight for France.

This he will understand.

And you seek my blessings

for this escapade?

He needs a recommendation

to Congress and General Washington.

- If it came from you

- For this honor, I would offer my life.

May I ask why?

Sir, the moment I heard of

America [SPEAKS FRENCH]

His heart

Oui. My-My heart was was enlisted

to fight for the liberty of man.

And your family, they consent to this?

[SCOFFS]

Have you even told them?

I wish [SIGHS HEAVILY]

do a thing that matters.

I want no pay.

I want to learn.

- Hmm.

- [LAFAYETTE] I know I am young.

It's not a question of youth, Marquis.

Congress will never permit a foreigner

to hold sway over American generals.

I go to America to serve,

Dr. Franklin, not to lead.

[SIGHS]

Allow me time to consider your

most generous offer of assistance.

I conduct myself by your devices.

[IN FRENCH] I couldn't

think of anything funny.

talk to him. You'll have your letter.

[SIGHS] I have learned, monsieur,

to file my dispatches to London

under two separate headings.

What I am told, and what

is actually happening.

[GRUNTS] I assure you,

Ambassador Stormont,

we have looked into the matter

of ill*gal smuggling most thoroughly.

Well, not thoroughly enough, it seems.

Well, France is full of adventurers.

Merchants sell their goods

to whomever they choose.

[CLICKS TONGUE] Bad enough

for Dr. Franklin to associate

with a known arms dealer like Chaumont.

Mmm.

He's also being squired around

by that nuisance, Beaumarchais. [SCOFFS]

You really should have trusted

His Majesty's clandestine affairs

to someone a little less obvious.

Forgive me for saying that my faith

in the intentions of the court

is being sorely tested.

[SIGHS]

As Poor Richard says,

"In the affairs of the world,

men are saved not by faith

but by the lack of it".

[STORMONT CHUCKLES]

Smuggling is one thing,

Monsieur le Comte,

but smugglers who travel

in fleets is quite another.

Well, the only French fleet I'm aware of

is currently fishing for cod.

I'm reliably informed that

ships are being outfitted

at this very moment in Le Havre.

- Really?

- Mmm.

Well, perhaps you'd like to

take a look at the cargo list,

- hmm?

- Please.

Fifty-two cannons, 6,132 r*fles,

1,029 barrels of gunpowder

and 20,000 cannonballs.

[GRUNTS]

May I ask how the ambassador

came by such a precise list?

You may not.

His Majesty's government

has no desire to interfere

in a squabble between Englishmen.

[IN FRENCH] Do you take me for

a complete imbecile, Count Vergennes?

[SIGHS]

[ACTOR] Ah, Lindor!

I'll seal it now, though I

don't know when or how

I shall be able to

get it into his hands.

I saw him through the

veil of my own jealousy,

speaking with Figaro the barber.

He's a good man.

A man who at times showed me sympathy.

If only I could foster his attention.

Just for a moment!

[GASPS] Monsieur Figaro!

[AUDIENCE LAUGHS]

[ACTOR] I'm so glad to see you!

Are you well?

Not very well, Monsieur Figaro.

I'm dying of boredom.

[CHUCKLES] I can believe it.

Only imbeciles get fat on boredom.

[AUDIENCE LAUGHS]

[ACTOR] Who were you

talking to just now?

[ACTOR 2] A young bachelor.

A relative of mine.

He has a way with words,

and he's very handsome.

A young man such as your friend

won't go unnoticed for long.

He has one big failing.

A failing! Are you sure?

[ACTOR 2] He's in love.

[ACTOR] In love?

And you call that a failing?

[ACTOR 2] It is when you

haven't got any money.

Life's so unfair!

[AUDIENCE LAUGHS]

[ACTORS CONTINUE INDISTINCTLY]

[PASSERBY SPEAKING FRENCH]

Beaumarchais is right?

Is there no choice

between love and quiet?

He's just having a little sport, madame.

[IN FRENCH] Yes, of course.

the habit of always being

guided by my wife's opinion.

Your wife.

Will she come here?

She is passed these three years.

[IN FRENCH] Oh, I am very sorry.

- Deborah.

Was yours a marriage of the heart?

She was a faithful

helpmate all her days.

Hmm.

I was called into the salon

by my mother one day.

Papa was there with a man

I had never seen before.

He looked old.

We talked about nothing, really.

My playmates.

[IN FRENCH] My little dog.

I played the spinet.

Not so well. I had

only started to study.

But the man clapped his

hands and took his leave.

Arrangements were made.

I was wed to Monsieur

Brillon a month later.

I was 15.

[FRANKLIN SIGHS]

Many sorrows in this life, Madame

Brillon, but also many pleasures.

What can we do but put aside

the one and enjoy the other?

- "He who cannot be happy in any state

- [LAUGHING]

can be so in no state".

- You've read my little book. [CHUCKLES]

- Of course.

But how unkind not to

give me a copy yourself.

It's nothing but a

hodgepodge of trivialities.

I didn't think it would interest you.

[IN FRENCH] What a shame.

I would have insisted

everyone I know read it.

- Could you insist now?

- [CHUCKLES]

I could for a soul I knew

to be devoted to me.

Madame. I am that soul.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

What?

You and I.

We do business now.

I like it.

[COACHEE] Whoa, whoa!

- [HORSE BLUSTERS]

- [PEOPLE CHATTERING]

[IN FRENCH] Anything to declare?

See for yourself.

- Where are you headed?

- Passy.

- Together?

- [STAMMERS]

How dare you.

[CARRIAGE DOOR CLOSES]

[DRIVER SPEAKING FRENCH]

You do.

Gilbert is paying for

everything himself.

His service costs America nothing.

A price that Congress

will no doubt appreciate.

Check.

Glory is what your friend prizes,

as do all young men.

Glory and recognition.

What's wrong with that?

Say he finds glory in battle.

He'll be a hero in both

countries, wouldn't he?

He'd be someone to rally around.

Bring America and

France closer together.

You're getting better at this game.

- [KNOCKS]

- [FRANKLIN] Yes?

[BANCROFT] Forgive

the intrusion, Doctor.

[SIGHS] An urgent message

has just arrived from Paris.

- My grandson and I have no secrets.

- [BANCROFT] Very well.

Lord North's private secretary

seeks a confidential interview.

He claims to be carrying

peace proposals.

[BANCROFT] Mr. Williams,

as he signs himself,

suggests meeting on neutral ground.

[FRANKLIN] An excellent way to

dash our hopes with the French.

- [TEMPLE] What do you propose?

- [FRANKLIN] I'll meet him everywhere.

[IN FRENCH] The Englishman

will await Dr. Franklin

in his coach near the Passy barrier.

Should Dr. Franklin prefer,

he has also suggested

the gallery at the Luxembourg

Palace, or the Bois de Boulogne.

[PEDESTRIANS CHATTERING]

I want observers in each place.

- Two-man teams.

- [PEDESTRIAN] Bonjour. Bonjour.

One man watches Franklin.

The other covers the surroundings.

[GALLERY ATTENDEES CHATTERING, CHUCKLING]

[LENOIR] Do not intervene,

but don't let him out of your sight.

[CHATTERING CONTINUES]

I want to know who this Mr. Williams is,

how long they met for

and, if possible, what

they talked about.

I'm told it might be of some

importance to Versailles.

[GROUP CHATTERING, LAUGHING]

me to accompany you?

I've never seen three men play

the same game of chess at once.

[GRUNTS] Just be sure

that is what's being played.

Meaning what?

Simply that you be careful.

You have a very dark turn of mind.

[SIGHS] I stand revealed.

Sir. Your humble servant,

Bartholomew Williams.

Forgive me if I don't return

the bow, Mr. Williams.

My knees no longer oblige.

Think nothing of it. I bring greetings

of fellowship from Lord North.

Do you?

You must have a different

understanding of the notion than I.

How so?

Well, I make it a point not to use

words that mean their opposite.

The prime minister

is sincere in his desire

to see an end to this misadventure.

When may we expect the Crown's surrender?

[CHUCKLES] Well, Doctor,

you are far from home.

Perhaps the news has reached you late.

Since your arrival here,

three colonies have been

reclaimed by His Majesty.

Our army has learned from its setbacks

and eager to prosecute

a summer campaign.

I believe our determination

will not be lacking.

[CHUCKLES] That's a stirring tale

to romance your French patrons with.

But it is ludicrous to think that

the greatest army in the world

could be outmaneuvered by soldiers

under the command of a

New Hampshire attorney,

or a battalion led by a

Rhode Island blacksmith,

or a*tillery directed

by a Boston bookseller.

Not to mention the incompetency

of a Philadelphia printer. [CHUCKLES]

France is not your ally.

Mr. Vergennes pretends you do not exist.

And Louis has nothing to gain

from joining with America.

Better for him that we

cut each other's throats.

[GRUNTS] Something your master,

King George, knows a great deal about.

I'm distressed you would

view that personally.

Well, how should I view it, sir?

As a simple equation.

Time and men and money will defeat you,

and it may cost us a great deal.

But it will cost you more.

If the price is our lives, we'll pay it.

Easy words on a sunny day in France.

The reality is harsher.

Mr. Williams, I have the oddest

apprehension that you're threatening me.

[CHUCKLES]

I'm making you an offer, Dr. Franklin.

'Cause you seek independence.

You may have it.

Now we're back to words

with different meanings.

America would be subject to Parliament

only in matters of policy

and foreign trade.

All restrictive acts passed

would be repealed,

and you may debate the rights

of man amongst yourselves

for as much as you wish.

Goes without saying, anyone

who helped secure such a peace

would find himself amply rewarded.

A knighthood, possibly even a peerage.

It's enough to secure a family's

fortune for the next 500 years.

Long after this rebellion is forgotten

and its conspirators turned to dust.

Trust in your wisdom, sir.

Well, then I'll tell you

what my wisdom instructs.

You think you're going to lose.

You fear that your

army will be shattered,

your king will be humiliated

and your nation bankrupted.

And, you know, Mr. Williams,

I believe you're right.

[SIGHS]

There's always your old

profession to fall back on.

[FRANKLIN] Hmm.

Good day, Dr. Franklin.

Good day, Mr. Williams.

- Mes chéris, mes chéris.

- [LAUGHS]

[IN FRENCH] How splendid you all were.

What a performance!

- So what about our money?

- Ah, oui.

Soon.

[KNOCKS]

[PERFORMER CLEARS THROAT]

a fine-looking horse.

Jacques said I could ride

him whenever I liked.

As long as I take care of him.

You might want to stay clear

of that young man.

Is that what you came to tell me?

For your friend, the marquis.

Though I have doubts about him too.

[CHUCKLES]

[LAFAYETTE] My friend.

[TEMPLE] Couldn't we have

just met at the Épée?

No. E-Everyone sees us

there, they talk at court,

the court tells the king,

and he stops me

from, uh, go to America.

What makes you think

you're going to America?

Because you

You said I

I am not going? No.

Tell Dr. Franklin I will repay

this favor in English blood.

Don't shed too much of your own.

We'll see each other again.

In victory.

[IN FRENCH] Good luck!

[WIND HOWLING]

Oh, no, no, no. Oh!

[GRUNTS, SIGHS]

[SIGHS, CHUCKLES]

Well, I'm grateful for your

assistance, Master Temple.

As you can see, your grandfather

has no aptitude for bureaucracy.

[TEMPLE CHUCKLES]

- [BANCROFT SIGHS]

- Uh, these figures don't make any sense.

- The arithmetic doesn't add up properly.

- Yes.

And, uh, look at this.

Well, it appears to be a shopping list.

The writing on the back

looks like names.

A list of prisoners to be

exchanged. [SIGHS]

Some I once called friends.

[SIGHS]

Your father's not on there.

I wouldn't expect so.

You hear nothing from him?

My stepmother writes,

but Grandfather won't allow

me to see any of her letters.

And refuses to answer them.

Yes, well, he can be a hard man

about some things. I've seen it.

Do you think my father

is a traitor, Mr. Bancroft?

[SIGHS]

One man's traitor is another's patriot.

It depends on which side you stand.

Your father chose loyalty to the Crown.

Time and fortune will tell

us if he chose wisely.

But you are here with your grandfather,

and your loyalty must be to him.

[TEMPLE SIGHS]

[GRUNTS] Take these for his signature.

Uh, make certain he signs them all,

and don't let him out of

your sight till he does.

- It's up to us to

- [TEMPLE] Correct his mistakes.

[CHUCKLES] And just so.

[STRING MUSIC PLAYING]

[GUESTS CHATTERING IN FRENCH]

Go ahead!

a secret, m*rder two of them".

[IN FRENCH] She translated it herself.

Would you delight me

with another quotation?

Ah, pardon.

- [GUEST GASPS]

- [GUEST 2 SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY]

Didn't I tell you your book would be

in every salon, every boudoir?

I am in awe of your powers, madame.

[CHUCKLES] What a talented liar.

How might I prove my sincerity?

Hmm.

You could try not flirting with

every woman in the room.

Mmm.

Is there perhaps another way?

[CHUCKLES]

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

I see the resemblance.

Oh. [CHUCKLES] He's 73 with

a an animal on his head.

But your souls are the same.

- You think so?

- [CHUCKLES]

Here is Franklin.

- And here is Franklinet.

- [BOTH CHUCKLE]

[GUESTS GASPING, CLAMORING]

[BEAUMARCHAIS] Excusez-moi. Pardon.

[MUSIC STOPS]

[IN FRENCH] Ladies and gentlemen

[GUESTS CHATTERING]

[GUESTS LAUGHING]

Might you briefly spare Beaumarchais

a Franklin or two?

[GUESTS LAUGHING]

- [MUSIC RESUMES]

- It's just like one of his plays!

from Count Vergennes?

The English ambassador had a copy

of the ship's, um, list of cargo.

The manifest.

They know what we plan.

Before we plan it.

Oh, which is why the man on

the dock was k*lled, n'est-ce pas?

[IN FRENCH] You don't need

to be so excited about it.

You have to admit it's interesting.

What are we going to do now?

- Carry on.

- Hmm.

What choice do we have?

[SIGHS]

[IN FRENCH] I think

I'm going to be sick.

Excuse me, madame.

- Is everything all right?

- Possibly not.

[CHUCKLES]

[SPEAKS FRENCH]

We're safe enough in Passy tonight.

Someone is spying on us.

Shouldn't we find out who it is?

Easier to ask who it is not.

In the meantime, we keep

My friend, there's

been an incident.

I blame myself.

If I hadn't been called away

on an urgent matter

No need, Mr. Bancroft.

Whoever did this was bent

on fear, not robbery.

[IN FRENCH] Perhaps

someone who took offense

at your recent publication?

know, Lieutenant Lenoir,

it might have been your own doing.

[IN FRENCH] Our censors do not go so far

as to overturn printing

presses, Dr. Franklin.

there are none to overturn.

[IN FRENCH] Could the intruder

have taken certain documents?

Documents which might compromise

you or His Majesty's government?

of a hand at the paperwork.

You'd have to ask Mr. Bancroft

or my grandson.

[LENOIR] Oh, we will.

[IN FRENCH] Round up the servants.

Let's see what they know about this.

to confine yourself to Passy

while we investigate this matter.

[SCOFFS] No doubt

as our visitor intended.

[IN FRENCH] With your

permission, Mr. Bancroft.

Just a few questions.

[STAMMERS] Yes, of course.

[SIGHS]

[SIGHS]

Do you know what you hold there?

Letters.

Words.

Power.

Never forget that.