Hush-hush
by Kegler

One dozen answers are replaced before entry into the grid.  The unclued top and
bottom rows give a five-word explanation of what these replacements are doing.

Across 7 Break ground around one lady's pad 9 Prophet's true mother returned 11 Plot starts to bedazzle energetic director 12 Lightly caress Helen's face, in a way 13 Official voiced hesitation quietly 15 Key exotic tiles 16 Bring home a nurse after end of date 18 Story for embracing pair of lovers 19 Watches for auditor's favorable votes 24 Washington building's topical broadcast 26 Silent performer spotted in program; I'm excited 28 Not a one ran back to club 29 Lowest point of swirling drain 30 Sweep entrance to boy's room 34 Chocolate, for example, is cold and sticky, eventually 36 By way of one visiting Virginia 37 Nocturnal mammal to get thinner, we hear 38 Informer drops tray and drink

Down 1 The admiral lies about ship's bathroom 2 Graduate from Kuala Lumpur 3 At heart, Billy is sick 4 Snit stirred up minor details 5 Initially, we all put up a barrier 6 Awkwardly rode around a couple of times and fell apart 8 Fails badly after starting to prepare rice dishes 10 Opening of mansion finally accepted by former spouse 14 Earlier religious figure 17 M*A*S*H star's Alabama lawyer 20 Example of party holding me back 21 Seer Sydney's damaged armor 22 Greek god is quiet one 23 Top vegetable with bit of ketchup 25 Nearsighted one at first featured in my movie 27 Cultural setting of Greek character includes one untruth 30 Outlaw takes rare source of fiber 31 Griffin and me with mobile home 32 Always veer wildly 33 Crazed infidel in area close to home? 35 In favor of Italian river flowing around resort's facade

Solution