This quote from Balzac highlights the surprising and sometimes paradoxical reactions that pregnancy can evoke in different individuals. Traditionally, pregnancy is seen as a profound and beautiful experience for women, often associated with anticipation, love, and continuity of life. However, Balzac appears to suggest that in some cases, pregnancy might evoke an unusual or even mischievous response from others, perhaps revealing societal attitudes or personal perceptions of femininity and fertility.

From a broader perspective, the quote invites reflection on how pregnancy is perceived by different social actors. For the expecting mother, pregnancy often signifies a deep emotional journey, resilience, and hope for the future. Conversely, for certain outsiders — embodied metaphorically by the 'sly bachelor' — pregnancy might be seen as a source of amusement, intrigue, or even exploitation if taken out of context. The idea that a 'sly bachelor' could smile at pregnancy hints at a layer of societal commentary, perhaps suggesting that fertility and reproduction might be entangled with notions of temptation, morality, or playful cunning.

Furthermore, the quote encapsulates the societal complexity surrounding female fertility, touching on themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the personal autonomy of women. The idea that pregnancy can be a source of concealed amusement or calculation reflects historical attitudes that sometimes framed reproductive capacity as a game or a disguise, rather than a sacred or personal journey.

Overall, this statement embodies a mixture of admiration, irony, and social critique, reminding us that pregnancy and femininity are multifaceted concepts shaped by societal perceptions as much as by personal experiences. It encourages us to consider the diverse ways society views and reacts to women's reproductive lives, which continue to evolve with cultural shifts.