The old Marquis of Auld Reekie was close at hand, the father of Lord Nidderdale, and therefore the proposed father-in-law of Melmotte's daughter, and he poked his thumb heavily into Lord Alfred's ribs. 
The old Marquis of Auld Reekie was close at hand, Lord Nidderdale's father; and he poked his thumb into Lord Alfred's ribs. 