Noah's observation, apocryphal or otherwise, doesn't work. Take a look at the third definition below for surprise in the transitive sense:

3 : to strike with wonder or amazement especially because unexpected
intransitive senses : to cause astonishment or surprise <her success didn't surprise>
- sur·pris·er noun
synonyms SURPRISE, ASTONISH, ASTOUND, AMAZE, FLABBERGAST mean to impress forcibly through unexpectedness. SURPRISE stresses causing an effect through being unexpected at a particular time or place rather than by being essentially unusual or novel <surprised to find them at home>. ASTONISH implies surprising so greatly as to seem incredible <a discovery that astonished the world>. ASTOUND stresses the shock of astonishment <too astounded to respond>. AMAZE suggests an effect of bewilderment <amazed by the immense size of the place>. FLABBERGAST may suggest thorough astonishment and bewilderment or dismay <flabbergasted by his angry refusal>. " (MW Online)

I think Noah's wife was surprised along with Noah and the maid.