Final answer:
The evil in people that Miss Strangeworth refers to is the capacity for malevolence or wickedness that exists within individuals, even in a charming small town.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evil in people that Miss Strangeworth refers to in the mentioned quote is the capacity for malevolence or wickedness that exists within individuals, even in a charming small town. It suggests that despite the pleasant appearance and friendly demeanor of people, there is a dark side to human nature that can manifest in harmful actions or negative intentions.
This can be seen in various literary examples provided. For instance, in the poem, the shepherd contemplates committing wicked deeds. In another passage, the character McTeague is described as having a hereditary evil that taints him. Additionally, Jane, in her thoughts, acknowledges the presence of vileness and coarseness within herself, contrasting it with her perception of the man Wolfe's appreciation for beauty and purity.