Final answer:
Miss Strangeworth views her punishment as a necessary consequence of her actions, believing that what she has done is justified in maintaining peace and order. The irony lies in the fact that her actions, which she sees as virtuous, actually cause harm and chaos.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the last sentence of the story, Miss Strangeworth views her punishment as a necessary consequence of her actions. She believes that what she has done is justified, as it is her way of maintaining the peace and order in her town. The irony lies in the fact that Miss Strangeworth's actions, which she sees as virtuous, actually cause harm and chaos among her community.