CANOODLES

SLINGBACKShoe with a strap behind the heel, or what can be found in each set of circled letters PENTHOUSETop floor flat PRINCIPLERule guiding one's conduct in clipper at sea CARNATIONBloomer in an auto race ESSAYTESTBlue-book event ICEMAIDENBeautiful but aloof woman ILLATEASEUncomfortable LITHUANIAVilnius is its capital ITSACINCH"Piece of cake!" ATTEMPTEDTried charm, embraced by new date NEWSPAPERSpare pen drunk holds with rag CENTURIONRoman officer EVOLUTIONDevelopment of delegation of powers starting late (9) ONTHEMENDRallying the troops during working day