CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. They fit windows, being less industrious in extremes of genius (8)

7. Got up quietly at first: the writing is plain (5)

8. Something on the one hand, something on the other? (7)

9. Being misled about a gale, will not increase (7)

10. Circle a friend in the ring, perhaps (4)

12. Got up with a friend in America before flower opened (7)

14. Something secret, my disturbed rest at end of the day (7)

17. Lies broken, with water all around it (4)

18. Mother gets on the wrong trail but looks warlike (7)

21. Tragic King going northeast right at end with novice driver (7)

22. Shortly returning English loop which may be fatal (5)

23. Taught English to Duke of France on the wrong date (8)

▶ Down

1. Historian with long arms, being anthropoid (6)

2. Is drawing a stretch of land in wartime women's service (8)

3. Likewise, a piece in the news (4)

4. Put on first coat of plaster to do one a service (6)

5. Prom founder to pay court to at start of December (4)

6. Act as chief and wield the axe (6)

7. Press it out, and they will conduct services (7)

11. To be accurate, end of preface must follow the digest (7)

13. Hound has got around in holding the baby maybe (8)

14. Is wordlessly showing la Bohème heroine no good beginnings (6)

15. Having mistaken Ely gave rise to having been vociferous (6)

16. Are about to be given food? Contrariwise, expected worse (6)

19. Tie up where there's enough to swing a cat, perhaps (4)

20. Metal canister containing powder for the bathroom (4)