IT all started with an invitation to a ball.

Sent by post, with stamps, the first stamps in a colony. Blue, two penny stamps, issued in about 1847 by the Post Office in Mauritius.

From this simple premise, Miss Morgan takes us on a round trip, starting with our hostess, and ending at the modern museum in Port Louis.

These tiny pieces of gummed paper fascinate, enthrall and occasionally drive dealers to distraction.

The science of philately is not new. From the beginnings of the postal services, there have been collectors, just as pernickety then as now.

This account is anything but boring. Learn about the passion, the agony and the ecstasy.