He could not be surprised at this event, which had been so long-expected; but it was attended with a circumstance which he had not foreseen.

Charles, by his last will, had declared the duke of Anjou, second son of the dauphin, the sole heir of the Spanish monarchy.

In case this prince should die without issue, or inherit the crown of France, he willed that Spain should devolve to the duke of Berry: in default of him, and children, to the archduke Charles and his heirs; failing of whom, to the duke of Savoy and his posterity.
He likewise recommended a match between the duke of Anjou and one of the archduchesses.

When this testament was first notified to the French court, Louis seemed to hesitate between his inclination and engagements to William and the states-general.

Madame de Maintenon is said to have joined her influence to that of the dauphin, in persuading the king to accept of the will; and Pontchartrain was engaged to support the same measure.