ACROSS
1. MILDRED outside MAN N_E = MILD-MANNERED <pleasant>
9. <fits> STROPS = SS outside ←PORT←
10. <better> GAMESTER = G MASTER* outside E
11. <decorative> ORNAMENTAL = OR NAME N_T A_L
12. <part of arms> ULNA = _L _N inside UA
13. <threatening> MINATORY = M IN A TORY
15. ←NO I TAN← = NATION <government>
16. <stop {someone} saying anything> STIFLE = ITSELF*
18. _E_S_M inside BIRCH = BESMIRCH <tar>
20. <joint> KNEE = _K _N _E _E
21. SUMS outside GAR PLU(-s) = SUGARPLUMS <sweets>
23. B_ LOUNGED* = BLUDGEON <club>
24. <story> LEGEND = END after LEG
25. <one promoting exports> MERCANTILIST = (...u)MER CAN'T I LIST(e...)

DOWN
2. <sometimes> INTERMITTENTLY = _INTER MITTEN _T _L _Y
3. DIOR _A M A = DIORAMA <model>
4. <part of shop> AISLE = IS inside ALE
5. "KNIGHTLY" = NIGHTLY <whenever things look dark?>
6. <signs of discontent> RUMBLINGS = (BRING SLUM)*
7. "DISCUSSED" = DISGUST <revolt>
8. REIN FOR CEMENT'S = REINFORCEMENTS <backup>
14. OVERSEER outside T = OVERSTEER <vehicle's faulty turning>
17. <independence> FREEDOM = F RE ←MODE←
18. BEGON(-e) IA = BEGONIA <flower>
19. <banned> ILLEGAL = E inside ILL GAL
22. <did kindle again> RELIT = (...o)RE LIT(e...)