CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across Down

1. They gather there's bad weather on the way (5-6)

8. Being mourned for lent Dame a different aspect (8)

9. Not being robust right away, one will not pass (4)

10. Edges softened, partially prepared ground for fresco (5)

13. Small and close to the ground, like a tortoise? (4)

16. Last of meal swallowed by pig is dull (4)

17. Sort of market for a parasite (4) 18. Coverings for Rugger man's not European (4)

20. Is to follow a knock-back, of which capital can be made (5)

24. Several tonalities have need of such a singer (4)

25. Where it is nothing to Tom, one is in half of London (8)

26. Relinquishing the cards one holds in Grove, somehow (7,4) 2. No excitement, thanks to me (4)

3. A lot of mountains where Cook was concerned? (5)

4. Pieces such men perhaps (5)

5. A French attack is not suitable (5) 6. Vital flower (11)

7. Retailer of the automated age (4,7) 11. To undergo thorough wetting may be exorbitant (5)

12. One such as Tarka has cad decapitated (5)

14. To be a governor, dash to the printer (4)

15. Yearn to be extended in time or space (4)

19. Hot contempt for last of comedians' hackneyed jokes (5) 21. Embellish a party with the Navy (5) 22. In America it had to be caught up in ten, one sees (5)

23. Languish at home, involved in physical education (4)