Last week’s solution

Across: 3 Cheerless; 8 Even; 9 Composite; 10 Result; 11 Plied; 14 Split; 15 Near; 16 Harsh; 18 Mass; 20 Aloud; 21 Stray; 24 Detail; 25 Desertion; 26 Beat; 27 Frustrate. Down: 1 Wearisome; 2 Ceaseless; 4 Hoot; 5 Expel; 6 Lessen; 7 Site; 9 Cloth; 11 Party; 12 Desolated; 13 Credulity; 17 Haven; 19 Stress; 22 Alter; 23 Dear; 24 Dolt.