Crossword Genius

Blaise, perhaps, having way with pen (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

modesty

'blaise perhaps' is the definition.
(comic strip character Modesty Blaise)

'way with pen' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'mode' ('mode' can be a synonym of 'way').
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'pen' becomes 'sty' (sty is a kind of pen).
'mode'+'sty'='MODESTY'

'having' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for modesty that I've seen before include "Decorum, shyness" , "Unassuming quality" , "Unassuming character" , "Quality of being unpretentious" , "Reserve" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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