CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Quite a lot of money for the good-looking Penelope (6,5) 9 Observe the centre of the cyclone (3)

10 Splendid change of state is aesthetically correct (4,5) 11 Security equipment providing capital cover (5)

13 Favouring the pick of the bunch (7)

14 A way the first of the youngsters will show indifference (6)

16 A certain bearing in neverchanging superficial refinement (6)

18 The chief is a capital fellow (7) 19 Back in the consulate, Sebastian is surrounded (5) 20 Shopkeepers could produce a rise later (9)

21 Pass a tailless horse (3)

22 In certain commands the ranks show discipline (11)

DOWN

2 Part of a very extensive crop (3) 3 A gust disturbed the river (5) 4 Landowners will give you the sign (6)

5 New net I arranged to weave (7)

6 SAS sent in to sort out unpleasant situation (9)

7 Hear pianola transcription for wind instrument! (7,4)

8 Somehow altered that sound made in passing! (5-6)

12 A good performer might portray a bad one (9)

15 Helen and I’m adjusting the skirt level (3-4)

17 Ceremonially remove the face cover (6)

19 A receptacle that’s turned up in the kitchen is a bowl! (5) 21 Take twenty-five percent off the price of salad food (3)

Yesterday’s solutions:

Across: 1 Sand. 3 Epidemic. 9 Absolve. 10 Villa. 11 Delicatessen. 13 Rabies. 15 Joanna. 17 Plasterboard. 20 Ennui. 21 Islamic. 22 Theology. 23 Step.

Down: 1 Standard. 2 Nasal. 4 Pretty. 5 Division bell. 6 Malvern. 7 Chap. 8 Glockenspiel. 12 Handicap. 14 Balance. 16 Seeing. 18 Admit. 19 Feat.