CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Small bear holding lady, the dear little fellow (6) 8. Before midday a portion of the precincts can be seen (5) 9. Telling-off for perhaps being insecure without one (7) 11. See me, in battered setting, sent out of my mind (8) 12. With which too much interest is taken (5)

15. A low joint that will go under (4)

16. Perhaps it will be seen a Spring blossom (3) 17. Utensil one might expect to get from a bucket-shop (4) 19. A model comforter it may be, but it’s not the real thing (5) 21. One whose charges are said to be stubborn (8) 24. There’s so much French spirit in an outburst of rage (7) 25. Flower one will almost drag back in (5)

26. The tank-top may carry something cutting (6)

DOWN

2. Foot parts taken to in flight (5)

3. Almost got up at the sign of The Ram with strings of beads (8)

4. It’s a flighty thing a prisoner may be doing (4) 5. Have the aspiration to state one will talk nonsense (5) 6. Nothing was so cutting as this short death appreciation (4) 7. Large-headed nail may close the collar (4) 10. A fish trap one could ask beetle to supply (3-6)

12. A party at Manhattan may resolve the trouble (4) 13. About fifty putters needed to articulate with fury (8) 14. It is a work one may consider as recreation (4)

18. It is cold, deaf and may be precious (5)

20. Army doctor will employ a computer hand-control (5) 21. The bar that will give one the shakes? (4)

22. From which pour the mouth parts (4)

23. Also rave about some older anthology (4)